Springbok fullback Damian Willemse says they will have to cut their error count or face being punished by Australia and New Zealand in their remaining Rugby Championship matches.
The Boks are coming off a series win against the British and Irish Lions and two victories over Argentina, where they were not punished by either opponent for what was at times sloppy play with ball in hand and under high kicks.
But Willemse believes they will not be so lucky Down Under, where their rivals have more in their armoury to take advantage of mistakes.
He says ahead of this week’s match against the Wallabies in Australia: “The margins are small. If you do make a mistake, even just a small one, it will be five or seven points against you.
“Especially against teams like Australia and New Zealand, who have a lot of skilful players and a lot of armour in their backline.
“It is all about playing clever and smart against good opposition. It is about not making as many errors from the back and by the key decision makers.”
The Boks’ less-expansive game plan and forward-based strategy, which sees them trying to dominate with the likes of fit-again No.8 Duane Vermeulen, will meet the more free-flowing Wallabies and All Blacks in a fascinating clash of styles.
But Willemse, who is in the squad to play at fullback or inside centre, says it is nonsense to underestimate the potency of the South African backline.
He explains: “We have a specific plan around how we want to win Test matches, especially us as fullbacks.
“It is about having everybody in the right place where we can force pressure and turn the ball over, and make our wingers get into the game and score tries.
“I have been enjoying the challenge, the coaches are really helping me develop my skill set, especially under the high balls and some game management stuff. There is a clear role for me about what I have to do in the team.”
Willemse, who can also cover flyhalf, is likely to be on the bench as a utility back when the Boks take on Australia in their first away match since 2019 at Gold Coast on Sunday.
Nick Said | dailyvoice@inl.co.za